What is Androderm: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Androderm overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Androderm

Generic Names:

  • Androderm

Uses:

  • Treats low testosterone levels.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Patch

How it’s taken:

  • Absorbed through the skin

What form(s) does Androderm come in

  • Patch

What are common Androderm doses?

  • Box 60 Patch 24 Hour

  • Box 30 Patch 24 Hour

Common Androderm prescriptions

  • Androderm
    1 patch 24 hour box

  • Androderm
    30 patch 24 hour box

  • Androderm
    60 patch 24 hour box

How to take Androderm

  • Transdermal routeYour doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.

  • Transdermal routeLeave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.

  • Transdermal routeThe patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.

  • Apply the patch to clean, dry skin with very little hair, on your back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. Apply the patch at about the same time every night.

  • Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Do not put the patch on oily or sweaty skin or on a spot that might put extra pressure on it (such as over a joint).

  • Bathing or swimming should not affect the patch. However, wait at least 3 hours after you apply the patch before you wash the skin area or shower or swim. Heavy exercise and sweating may cause the patch to fall off.

  • If the patch becomes loose, smooth it down and press it back onto your skin. If the patch comes off before 12 o'clock noon, put on a new patch, and then replace the new patch at your regular time. If the patch comes off after noon, just wait and put on a new patch at your next regular time. Do not tape the patch to your skin.

  • Missed dose: Transdermal routeIf you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

  • Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Transdermal routeFold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep the medicine in a safe place. Do not give it to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.

  • Transdermal routeStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Apply the patch to clean, dry skin with very little hair, on your back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. Apply the patch at about the same time every night.

  • If the patch becomes loose, smooth it down and press it back onto your skin. If the patch comes off before 12 o'clock noon, put on a new patch, and then replace the new patch at your regular time. If the patch comes off after noon, just wait and put on a new patch at your next regular time. Do not tape the patch to your skin.

  • Transdermal routeFold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

  • Missed dose: Transdermal routeIf you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep the medicine in a safe place. Do not give it to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.

  • Transdermal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.

  • Transdermal routeYour doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Transdermal routeLeave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.

  • Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Do not put the patch on oily or sweaty skin or on a spot that might put extra pressure on it (such as over a joint).

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Transdermal routeThe patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.

  • Bathing or swimming should not affect the patch. However, wait at least 3 hours after you apply the patch before you wash the skin area or shower or swim. Heavy exercise and sweating may cause the patch to fall off.

Androderm contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to testosterone, or if you have breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Androderm warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, heart disease, lung disease, sleep apnea, or a history of heart attack or stroke.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased numbers of red blood cellsIncreased risk of prostate cancerBlood clot in your leg or lungIncrease risk of heart attack or strokeLower sperm count (with large doses)

  • The skin patch contains aluminum, which may cause skin burns if you have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. You must remove the patch before an MRI.

  • This medicine is not indicated for use in women and should never be used by a pregnant woman.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Androderm interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how testosterone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: InsulinBlood thinner (including warfarin)Corticosteroid (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased numbers of red blood cells Increased risk of prostate cancerBlood clot in your leg or lungIncrease risk of heart attack or strokeLower sperm count (with large doses)

  • The skin patch contains aluminum, which may cause skin burns if you have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. You must remove the patch before an MRI.

  • This medicine is not indicated for use in women and should never be used by a pregnant woman.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Androderm side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, unusual sweating, faintness

  • Pain, redness, or swelling in your arm or leg

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood

  • Severe skin blisters, redness, swelling, or burning where the patch is applied

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, trouble urinating

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild skin soreness, redness, itching, or irritation where the patch was applied

  • Swollen breasts